WARWICKSHIRE orienteering squad Octavian Droobers were able to get back into navigating and running through the woods at their first event staged under approved Covid-secure guidelines at Itchington Holt.
Only club members were allowed to take part and there were a few changes including pre-entry, social distancing at the start and use of hand sanitiser.
There were three courses – short, medium and long. Sue Hallett (W70) was the winner of the short course taking 40.31mins, Liz Phillips (W55) was first on the medium course in 37.12mins and on the long course Will Gardner (M21) won in 27.27mins, just ahead of Nathan Lawson (M21) in 27.38mins and third-placed Duncan Birtwistle (M21) in 31.24mins.
The club is planning more events but entry will be limited to Octavian Droobers members.
However, there are many opportunities for everyone to experience this adventure sport at the many country parks around the area.
Trails of varying lengths from 1-6km called Permanent Orienteering Courses (POCs) have been introduced in ten locations around Coventry, Warwickshire and Daventry.
It is a great way to discover lovely parks in a socially-distanced way. Searching and locating the checkpoint posts placed around the parks using specially drawn maps – a bit like a treasure hunt – is a great way to exercise and get fit outdoors in the fresh air.
A full list of these venues and how to download the maps free of charge is on the club website at www.octavian-droobers.org on the newcomers page or at www.britishorienteering.org.uk/poc.
For additional information about the Permanent Orienteering Courses, visit websites of the parks for latest opening times, car parking and other facilities.
